Are you forgetting to clean your washing machine baffles? I had no idea how important it was

Maintaining a washing machine is generally considered a simple process. Run a hot sanitizing cycle with vinegar once a month and give the seals a wipe-over to prevent mold build-up – or so I thought.

As it turns out, if you have a front-loading washing machine, you need to be paying extra attention to the baffles (those plastic ridges inside the drum), or they could harbor mold and bacteria that actively work against your laundry cycle.

I spoke to cleaning and appliance experts to get their tips on how to clean a washing machine with baffles to make your laundry cycles more effective.

If your clothes smell sour after washing, or your washing machine smells musty no matter how often you clean it, then it could be the baffles to blame.

Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company begins, ‘More often than not, the baffles are made of plastic, and therefore, soap and fabric softener residue can stick to them. Dirt and oil collect in the residue and will get on your clothes.’

Even the best washing machines can fall victim to product and mold build-up continues Tom Ceconi, CEO of Heritage Park Laundry. ‘This buildup can lead to unpleasant odors, reduced washing performance, and even potential damage to your laundry. Regular cleaning of the baffles helps ensure your machine stays fresh, operates efficiently, and keeps your clothes clean.’

There are generally two ways to go about cleaning your front-loading washing machine baffles, and it all depends on if the baffles are removable or not. Glenn Lewis says it is important to, ‘Read and follow the instructions in your washer's use and care manual to see if the baffles are removable and how they are removed to avoid any washing machine mistakes.’

Cleaning removable baffles

Removable baffles are a little easier to keep clean as you can clean inside and beneath them, helping to clean a washing machine that smells.

Tom Ceconi, laundry expert then says, ‘For washing machines with removable baffles, the first step is to consult your machine's user manual for instructions on safely detaching them. Once removed, soak the baffles in a solution of warm water and a gentle, enzyme-free laundry detergent for about 30 minutes. This helps break down any built-up grime without damaging the material.'

After soaking, scrub the baffles with a soft brush or cloth to remove any remaining residue, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Let them air dry completely before reattaching.

Remember to scrub the area under the baffle in your washing machine too, as there is likely product build-up hidden away. For this, consider cleaning with vinegar and a soft-bristled scrubbing brush to help kill black mold in the drum and leave your washing machine smelling fresh.

Cleaning non-removable baffles

Even if your baffles are not removable, they can benefit from some special treatment outside of using vinegar to clean a washing machine.

Tom Ceconi, laundry expert says, ‘For machines with non-removable baffles, cleaning can still be effective. Start by wiping down the baffles with a microfiber cloth (available at Walmart) dampened in a solution of water and white vinegar (50/50 ratio) to help loosen dirt and residue. Then, use a small, soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to reach around and under the baffles to dislodge any debris.

‘For deeper cleaning, run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner specifically formulated for front-loaders to help eliminate odor-causing residues and make laundry smell better in the future.’

Sanitizing and disinfecting a washer and dryer is the best way to protect your clothes from mysterious smells and stains. When thinking about how often you should clean your washing machine baffles, stick with once a month, or every time you clean your washing machine. This can help extend how long a washing machine lasts too.